Toronto and on to Fallowfield

Day 34 Tuesday 19 October – Toronto

Much to our surprise we were able to book into a room at 10 this morning. We were allocated a King Size room on the 11th floor in the East Wing of the Royal York. After checking out the room we joined the Sightseeing Bus for a two hour tour of Toronto. I tried to take photos but wasn't too successful.

After returning to the hotel we set off to find a clothing store that had been recommended. We found “Mark's Work WearHouse” in the Eaton Centre. Jenny was looking for a black cardigan and I wanted to replace a zipped jacket. We found both items and were offered some impressive discounts. My Jacket was $60 and Jen's cardigan was marked at $45. We walked out having paid $70 (plus $10 tax). For those who know me, you'd understand why I was a happy chap.

The fact that marked prices DO NOT include tax continues to be one of the most tricky features of Canada and most likely Europe when we get there. You mentally add up the price of your items, pull out the change and it just isn't enough
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We stopped at the food court in the Eaton Centre and had 'stromboli' slice and roll. We exited through the Hudson Bay Coy and were captivated by their Christmas decorations. Wandering around we came across the link to the PATH, it is a series of subterranean corridors connecting numerous basement shopping galleries of significant hotels and office towers. With a little advice from shop assistants we were able to find our way back to our hotel without having to worry about the weather or traffic.

Day 35 Wednesday 20 October – Toronto

Visited the VIA Ticketing Counter at the Union Station to convert our rail voucher to a real ticket for out rail trip to Fallowfield tomorrow. Also confirmed that all luggage is 'carry on' and there are no reserved seats. Witnessed the queue of passengers for the Ottawa train. At 9 am there were over 50 people in the queue for the 9:30 train.

Found the Post Office in the Shoppers Drug Mart and bought another carton, back to the hotel and filled it, addressed it and sealed it. Back to post it to Oz for $22.26 Canadian. We spent the next few hours walking East of Union Station to the CN Tower. It is amazing how far you can walk without breaking out into the open.

Back underground to the PATH to find somewhere for brunch, we'd have no difficulty if we were looking for a Starbucks, there was one on BOTH ends of a food court. Another interesting phenomena is the length of the queues that form outside a popular food outlet or coffee option.

After brunch we happened upon a Rock Mountains Chocolate Factory, they also sold ice-creams and I calculated that I could buy a half litre bucket for less than a three scoop cone. She even threw in some spoons to eat it. Had to do that before it melted. Jenny was suitably disgusted.

Bought some fruit and wandered back to the hotel where we relaxed, me typing this blog, Jen sort of watching TV with both eyes closed.
Used Skype to catch up with the family and had a long chat. Packed the bags ready for tomorrow's departure.

Day 36 Thursday 21 October – To Fallowfield

We're ready to go well ahead of time so we actually spent time reading the paper !! Checked out of the hotel and crossed the street to Union Station, not an easy task with thousands of people streaming in the opposite direction. The trains must be popular based on the number of commuters that use them.

We line up in the queue and I guard the luggage while Jen goes off to find something for breakfast. We are travelling 'Economy Class' so no frills like a dedicated departure lounge with seats and refreshments. At about 9 we follow the 'Business Class' passengers onto the train. There is storage for our oversized baggage so that relieves a concern. The train is very comfortable and moves at a fair old clip. We try at taking photos of the agricultural land but the results are less than spectacular.

We arrive at Fallowfield about 15 minutes early and wait for our contact to arrive. As promised, David arrives at the appointed time and we head off to Manotick. Linda and David make us most welcome and we talk about many things in front of a log fire. So relaxing we feel quite at home. A lovely diner followed by a one hour aerial overview of Canada. It has obviously been filmed at the best time of the year but what a spectacular show. They have prepared an outline schedule for us and it looks like we'll be kept busy for the time we are here.